Jakarta on Northwest Coast of Java, Indonesia

This APM image shows Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Located on the northwest coast of Java, it has an area of 661 square kilometres (255 sq mi).

Jakarta’s position on Java’s northwest coast is at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Bay, which is an inlet of the Java Sea. Jakarta lies in a low, flat basin, averaging 7 metres (23 ft) above sea level; 40% of Jakarta, particularly the northern areas, is below sea level, while the southern parts are comparatively hilly.

Rivers flow from the Puncak highlands to the south of the city, across the city northwards towards the Java Sea. These rivers, combined with Jakarta’s low topography make it prone to flooding from swollen rivers in the wet season and high sea tides.